Manchester City: Beautiful basics at the Bet365

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: David Silva of Manchester City celebrates as he scores their second goal during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester City at Bet365 Stadium on March 12, 2018 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

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STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City salutes the travelling fans after the Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester City at Bet365 Stadium on March 12, 2018 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Returning Players Making The Difference:

Raheem Sterling returned to the side after an extended absence, and was involved in the opening goal. Watching him bomb down the wing was good, although the miss in the second half was not as great. Certainly the home fans showed their displeasure at the seemingly unsporting behaviour.

For me, the frustration came from the miss when it seemed easier to score. A square ball to another player who himself has only just come back, would have ended in the net surely.

Fernandinho was another returning from injury, and he fit straight back into his role. Ilkay Gundogan did a good job while the Brazilian was out, but no one does it better than Fernie.

David Silva scored a brace for the Blues after not featuring against Basel. That was more rotation rather than out through injury tough. The same can be said of a number of starters though, from Ederson up.